"You have my horse in your stable, I thought?"
"I was mistaken,—a moment's forgetfulness, mein Herr. The horse—the other day—I mean——"
"Yes, I understand. Nevertheless, we will start at once."
"But, Excellency, nothing can be done until the morning. If you will wait——"
"For another visit from your friends? no."
"Not my friends, Excellency. I am an honest man. But as you will. I will awaken the ostler and leave him in charge of the inn."
He made quickly towards the door, but Harry, who had seen through all his attempts to gain time and make an opportunity to get away, interposed.
"Ring your bell there: that will waken him. But you will not leave him in charge of the house: he will come with us, and your servant also. The inn shall be shut up, and I doubt not your good fortune in escaping the attentions of the marauders will still hold. I will give you five minutes to get ready."
The landlord, seeing that his last hope of communicating with his friends was gone, recognized that the game was up. His assurance collapsed; he became merely sullen.
"What is it that your excellency wishes me to do?"